Steamboat Pilot & Today

Steamboat Springs — Steamboat Ski Area took top honors at the Colorado Ski Country USA awards luncheon Wednesday in Denver.

Ski patroller Scott Halliday and instructor Larry Adams both brought home major awards.

Scott Halliday, 41, was named the 2000 Ski Patroller of the Year by Colorado Ski Country USA.

"Scott helps bridge the gap between all members of the patrol industry, both old and new," said Wesley Richey, Steamboat Ski Area's assistant patrol director. "Quite simply, I can think of no one I could or would recommend higher for the position."

Halliday was among five nominees for the honor from around the state of Colorado. He was named the winner on Wednesday.

"There was a very qualified group of applicants for the award," selection committee member Pete Wither said. "But Scott just rose to the top."

Wither said Halliday stood out for two reasons. First, he was nominated by his peers and not by a supervisor and, second, he has a great history as a patroller. His father was a patroller who got Halliday involved at a very young age.

In a short speech, Halliday thanked his wife, Lyn, and several members of the Steamboat Ski Area staff who were on hand for the announcement.

Among the group were executives Rod Hanna, Bob Kuusinen and the head of the ski patrol, John Kohnke.

Halliday began his ski patrolling career at 15 when he became a junior patroller at Great Gorge Ski Resort in northwest New Jersey. Three years later, Scott started patrolling professionally and in 1982 was named the ski patrol director at Great Gorge.

He moved to Steamboat Springs in 1993 and joined the ski area here. He is a member of the ski patrol's avalanche and investigation teams. He also is a permitted avalanche blaster, a level II ski patroller, safety communicator and a emergency medical technician.

Halliday was named Outstanding Junior Patroller in 1973, 1974 and 1975. He also won the Yellow Merit Star for an on-the-hill lifesaving incident in New Jersey in January 1988.

Each year, Colorado Ski Country USA recognizes exceptional ski patrollers. Ski areas nominate individuals who best exemplify dedication and leadership. The finalists are interviewed and selected by a panel of industry experts.

As the top patroller, Halliday received a cut-glass trophy and a Colorado Ski Country USA pass, good for three days of skiing at all 25 of the SkiCountry resorts in Colorado.

Steamboat's Larry Adams also was honored as one of six winners of the Colorado Ski Country Instructor of the Year award.

"It is a very unique situation," Lisa Bremner of Colorado Ski Country USA said. "But the judges on the panel felt torn between all six of the finalists, so they just gave them all an award. It's the first time it's ever happened.

Adams was not on hand at the luncheon. He also will receive an award and the same Ski Country VIP pass that was given to Halliday.

To reach John F. Russell call 871-4209 or e-mail jrussell@amigo.net